Vikings officially eliminated, will miss playoffs for 4th time in 6 seasons

Minnesota’s playoff hopes are dashed as Chicago’s win over Cleveland officially knocks the Vikings out, leaving the focus on where they'll pick in the 2026 draft.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs, marking the fourth time in the last six seasons that they've failed to reach the postseason tournament.

Minnesota was officially eliminated when the Chicago Bears crushed the Cleveland Browns during the early window on Sunday. The Bears dominated the Browns in a 31-3 victory at freezing-cold Soldier Field, improving to 10-4 and making it impossible for the Vikings to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card.

The Vikings were already eliminated from contention in the NFC North before Week 15 began.

Being eliminated means the best outcome for the future of the Vikings is to lose the final three games and secure the highest draft pick possible. At 6-8 overall, a 6-11 season is possible. The Vikings visit the two-win Giants this week, and then close the season at home against the Packers and Lions.

Below is a look at the latest top 16 picks of the draft order.

1. NY Giants: 2-12
2. Las Vegas: 2-12
3. Tennessee: 2-12
4. Cleveland: 3-11
5. NY Jets 3-11
6. Arizona: 3-11
7. New Orleans: 4-10
8. Washington: 4-10
9. Cincinnati: 4-10
10. Atlanta (LAR): 5-9
11. Kansas City: 6-8
12. Minnesota: 6-8
13. Miami: 6-7
14. Dallas: 6-7-1
15. Baltimore: 7-7
16. Carolina: 7-7